Says Efforts to Politicize It Will Be Defeated
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, March 20 ; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Friday that the Press Club in Srinagar will be revived, asserting that efforts to politicize the institution would be defeated.
The announcement follows the Chief Minister’s declaration in the Assembly on Thursday regarding the re-establishment of the Press Club. Addressing legislators, he stated that journalists would be tasked with forming a managing committee to oversee subsequent elections for its leadership.
In a social media post, Abdullah as per Kashmir Despatch emphasized, “The Press Club in Srinagar will be revived, and efforts to politicize it shall be defeated. An independent Press Club, led by journalists themselves, will be a significant stride toward press freedom.”
Earlier, during the Assembly session, Abdullah reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening press infrastructure, enhancing access to information, and safeguarding journalists’ rights. “We will take concrete steps to revive and support Press Clubs in Jammu and Srinagar, providing a dedicated space for journalists to engage, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to public discourse,” he said.
He underscored the vital role of a free and independent press in democracy, stating, “A free, independent, and responsible press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. Our government is unwavering in its commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring journalists operate in a secure, transparent environment. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, strengthening democratic institutions, and keeping citizens informed.”
The move comes amid longstanding demands from Jammu and Kashmir’s journalist community for a dedicated workspace. While no specific timeline was provided, the government’s announcement signals intent to restore a formal platform for media professionals in the region.
Notably, Srinagar—J&K’s summer capital—has been without a press club since January 2022, when the J&K administration suspended the registration of the Kashmir Press Club (KPC) as it prepared to hold elections. The KPC had approximately 300 registered journalists at the time.
